Wilson ready for infamous Tahiti surf

SURFING: The infamous swells of Teahupo'o are likely to have surfers "scared out of their wits”, according to Julian Wilson.

But it's a thrill the Sunshine Coaster is looking forward to as the Championship Tour visits Tahiti for the Billabong Pro on Saturday.

It's the seventh stop of 11 in the world tour, and off the back of a solid third place finish at the J-Bay Open, Wilson was hopeful of carving up the competition.

"My hopes are to win the event,” he said.

With Teahupo'o known for featuring some of the more ferocious swells on tour, Wilson said it would only be fitting for some big sets to roll in during the event.

"Fingers crossed we get a good swell,” he said.

"That's always the exciting part, especially going to a place like Tahiti, the wave has serious consequences and is very powerful and intimidating.

"I think, in order for it to be a true version of what that event is meant to be, we'll get a big swell and we'll be scared out of our wits but it's also really exciting to be thinking about that challenge.”

He said dropping into big waves was part of being on tour, and he felt comfortable in the formidable surf.

"It's definitely a challenge and you kind of get tested whether or not you wanted those waves or not,” he said.

"So I think I've proved I can find some comfort in that environment and I really enjoy those types of waves and it's just something you have to learn to deal with being on tour.”

Wilson featured in the quarter-finals of the Billabong Pro last year but was knocked out by John John Florence.

He is currently ranked eighth on the standings, and still believes the world title for 2017 is within his grasp.

But,Wilson said he would face some stiff competition.

"There is a lot of favourites and it just depends on what type of swell we get as to who becomes the favourite and who isn't.

"But, I think Owen Wright will be a strong favourite going in to that event.”